Plymouth joy as Leeds loss is quashed in RFU verdict

Plymouth Albion are delighted that the Rugby Football Union has quashed their 34-16 defeat at Leeds on January 6.

The RFU announced yesterday that the match would have to be replayed after the Championship fixture went to uncontested scrums after just 13 minutes of the game.

The sport's governing body has ordered the replay to take place over the weekend of February 1-3 at a venue of Leeds' choice, with the West Yorkshire club also funding Albion's travel and accommodation costs.

However, if Leeds cannot find a suitable venue in Yorkshire, then the match will be played at Brickfields.

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An Albion statement issued by the club's acting chief executive, Debbie Fisher, read: "We are delighted with the outcome of the RFU investigation into the condition of the pitch at Leeds Carnegie.

"As a club we believe this is the right and proper decision. We await to hear Leeds Carnegie's proposed venue for the replay, but Brickfields could stage the game if required on Sunday, February 3."

Plymouth could be facing two trips to Yorkshire in a week, as they are due to play Rotherham Titans away on February 9.

Albion's focus can now turn fully to their British and Irish Cup match against Munster A at Temple Hill tonight.

Forward Alex Brown will make his first start for the club. The former Doncaster prop has joined Albion on a dual-registered agreement from Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.

The 23-year-old was originally made available to Plymouth by Exeter at the start of December but a calf injury delayed his debut for the Championship side.

However, he finally pulled on an Albion shirt for the first time last weekend, when he came on as a replacement against Rotherham.

Brown enjoyed his first run out at Brickfields, even though Albion lost 21-3 – a result that ended their hopes of progressing in the Cup. "It was really good, actually," Brown said. "The conditions were a bit tough but it was really good to finally get on and play. That was the important thing – just pulling on a jersey.

"I just needed to get a bit of rugby under my belt."

He added: "I have had one of those seasons where you get one injury after another. But it is good to finally get down here to Albion."

Brown only had 25 minutes to impress last week, but he has a big chance tonight to make his mark on Albion's coaching staff when he lines up in the number three shirt against Munster A.

"It is one of those big opportunities to go over there, play a big team and stake a claim," said Brown. "They [Munster] will probably put a lot of first-teamers in there, players with experience, as they do like winning the Cup, so it will be good to put a marker down."